Today marks the sixth anniversary of the passing of George Floyd — the 46-year-old Black man who was killed on May 25, 2020 after being pinned to the ground and having his neck kneeled on by Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin. While honoring George’s life, his family continues to fight for police reform.
RELATED: Derek Chauvin Files For New Trial Over Conviction In George Floyd’s Murder
After George’s death, his family pushed for the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act. It’s a federal bill looking to ban chokeholds and limit no-knock warrants in federal cases.
Six years after his murder, George’s family continues to fight to keep his legacy and call for reform. Ahead of honoring George at a Houston Memorial Day gathering, his niece Bianca Williams told PEOPLE, “He was more than a headline.”
George Floyd’s Family Vows To Keep His Legacy Alive With Ongoing Demand For Police Reform
George’s 32-year-old niece added, “He was family. He was deeply loved. His life mattered long before the world knew his name.”
Meanwhile, George’s older sister, LaTonya Floyd, 57, also spoke out. She too remains determined to keep her little brother’s memory alive — despite facing serious health problems. In the past year, she’s had two strokes and a brain aneurysm. Nonetheless, while speaking on her brother’s legacy, she proudly shared, “They said his movement was bigger than Martin Luther King, and that shook my nerves.”
George’s niece added:
“It’s been six years and we’re still pushing to get the bill passed — his life and his legacy should never be forgotten. George showed the world that racism and police brutality still exist. And I think without that camera rolling, I don’t think the world would be able to witness that. He brought a lot of people together.”
While teasing their Memorial Day event honoring George, Bianca shared:
“We’ll talk about the memories we shared with him, and what love and unity look like, to be able to come together and give back to the community. With all the different changes in politics, we really want to show the world what standing together looks like … We stick together. Family’s all you have.”
George Floyd’s niece Bianca Williams not only dealt with his death. She also nearly lost her daughter after being shot while sleeping in her bed on New Year’s Day 2022. Bianca has since launched the non-profit Ari Strong, which supports victims of gun violence.
RELATED: FBI Director Kash Patel Fires Up To 20 Agents Pictured Kneeling During 2020 George Floyd Protests
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!